Chicago Cubs notes from the GM meetings: Kyle Hendricks retires — and how 2 top prospects fit in for 2026

After 11 big-league seasons, including 10 with the Chicago Cubs, Kyle Hendricks is stepping away from the mound at 35.

⚡ BREAKING REPORT: Cubs Fans Fear “Nightmare Scenario” as All-Star Ace Shota Imanaga Eyes New Home — Rival Teams Lining Up, and One Contender’s Interest Could Haunt Chicago for Years! Insiders reveal that after opting out of his contract, Imanaga has become one of the most coveted arms on the market, drawing serious attention from teams like the Dodgers and Red Sox. The Cubs’ failure to secure their breakout ace could gift a direct rival the pitching dominance that once electrified Wrigley Field — and fans are already bracing for heartbreak if he ends up delivering strikeouts against them next season.

This would be very upsetting for Cubs fans.

⚾ STRATEGIC MOVE BY THE CUBS: The Chicago Cubs have officially extended qualifying offers to stars Kyle Tucker and Shota Imanaga, securing compensation draft picks should either player walk in free agency. The move signals that Chicago intends to keep its core intact — or, at the very least, get valuable assets in return. As front-office insiders describe it, this is the “chessboard phase” of the offseason, where every offer could shift the balance of the Cubs’ 2026 roster.

The Chicago Cubs extended qualifying offers to outfielder Kyle Tucker and left-hander Shota Imanaga before Thursday’s 4 p.m. deadline.

These MLB stars could be risking everything by entering free agency

Some MLB players are facing tough option decisions that could shift rosters, payrolls and playoff hopes heading into 2026.

Cubs linked to $18 million two-time All-Star ace, could potentially replace Shota Imanaga

This would give the Cubs the ace they need.

💥 🚨 BREAKING RUMOR: CUBS TARGET $7.75M FORMER CY YOUNG CANDIDATE — PARTNERING WITH IMANAGA FOR DUAL BOMBSHELL ROTATION!

This would give the Cubs a nasty rotation.

Column: Can the Chicago Cubs bounce back and win the NLDS? Here are 7 things they need to happen.

The Chicago Cubs have a massive challenge ahead of them: beating the Milwaukee Brewers in three straight to advance to the NLCS. Can it happen?

Cubs’ Shota Imanaga has brutal four-word message after NLDS loss to Brewers

Shota Imanaga was very blunt about his Game 2 start in the NLDS against the Brewers.

MLB playoffs 2025: Division Series scores, news, updates as Phillies and Cubs look to get even with Dodgers, Brewers

Follow along with all of the action as the divisional round of the MLB playoffs continues Monday.

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The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are in the middle of Game 2 in the best-of-three National League Wild Card series.